2013 ram 1500 Model Overview

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Vehicle Overview

There’s a reason we named the 2013 Ram 1500 our 2013 Truck of the Yeart. Offered in more than 10 trim levels and many drivetrain, cab, and bed combinations, the Ram 1500 is a versatile truck made even better for 2013.

Three engine choices are available for the 2013 Ram 1500. New for 2013, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 offers 305 hp and 269 lb-ft of torque, and comes mated exclusively to Chrysler‘s eight-speed automatic transmission. That drivetrain combo powers HFE, SLT, and Outdoorsman
models, and is rated at 17/25 mpg city/highway for rear-wheel-drive 1500 pickups, and 16/23 mpg for four-wheel-drive models. Rear-drive HFE (high fuel efficiency) models achieve slightly better fuel economy at 18/25 mpg. When we chose the Ram 1500 as our Truck of the Year, we said of the V-6 model, “The 2013 Ram 1500 SLT is essentially like driving a Chrysler 300 with a bed. Our judges were blown away by the smooth, quiet driving experience…The Pentastar even sounds good for a V-6, and the combination of engine and transmission makes for a surprisingly good entry-level truck.”

A 4.7-liter V-8 is standard on the 1500 Tradesman, producing 310 hp and 330 lb-ft. Mated to a six-speed automatic, the 4.7-liter is rated at 14/20 mpg in rear-drive form, and 14/19 mpg in four-wheel-drive trim. The Tradesman also has the option of the Pentastar V-6, and gets such standard features as cruise control, air conditioning, automatic headlights, a USB port, and hill-start assist. The Hemi 5.7-liter V-8 producing 395 hp and 410 lb-ft is standard on Express, Big Horn/Lone Star, Sport, R/T, Laramie, and Laramie Long Horn models. The 5.7-liter Hemi is also available in the Outdoorsman. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard, but the eight-speed unit is also available for the Hemi. With four-wheel drive, the 5.7-liter and eight-speed combo is rated at 15/21 mpg, compared to 13/19 mpg with the six-speed auto. Two-wheel-drive models with the Hemi and six-speed auto achieve 14/20 mpg. Eight-speed-equipped models also get start-stop capability and active grille shutters to help improve fuel economy, and all Ram 1500 models receive fuel-saving electric power steering for 2013.

Regular, quad, and crew cab styles are available, and bed lengths range from 5’7″ to 8′ depending on trim selection. The Ram 1500 can tow up to 10,450 pounds, depending on trim and equipment. An available air suspension adjusts automatically or manually through five driver-selectable modes. We liked the Ram 1500’s air suspension during our Truck of the Year program, saying, “The addition of air suspension is a giant leap for half-ton trucks. While coil springs are a big advancement over leaf springs, trucks have to be able to carry such a range of weight loads, from a single person to five passengers and a bed full of cargo, that a single spring rate just doesn’t seem adequate.”

Like the rest of the truck, the interior can be appointed however you like, with just your basic workaday amenities or a fully loaded luxury cabin. Chrysler’s Uconnect infotainment system is available on most models, and comes with an 8.4-inch screen, Bluetooth capability, and apps functions. A navigation system is also available, though we had issues with it in our tests.

The IIHS gave the 2013 Ram 1500 a rating of “good” in the moderate overlap front test. However, the 1500 scored “marginal” ratings in the roof strength and side impact tests. NHTSA gave the Ram 1500 an overall rating of four stars.

New for 2013

The Ram 1500 was refreshed for 2013, receiving a new Pentastar V-6 engine and an updated Hemi V-8 engine. All V-6 models receive an eight-speed automatic transmission with start-stop and active grille shutters. The eight-speed is also available on Hemi models.

You’ll Like

Versatility

V-6 fuel economy

Available air suspension

You Won’t Like

Finding parking

Navigation system

Steering wheel shift buttons

Key Competitors

Toyota Tundra

Ford F-150

Chevrolet Silverado

GMC Sierra

Sum Up

2013 Ram 1500 Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$22,900

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$19,250

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.